Language, Culture, and Communication: The Meaning of Messages (5th Edition)

This book is fairly easy to read, using data from many languages to illustrate key concepts relating to language and culture. Most linguistics books are full of technical language, and this one is no exception...people new to the study of language may find it helpful to have a textbook (or Wikipedia) on hand for reference. But it isn't as dense as some books I've read for undergrad courses, so I thought it was a nice break from the heavier stuff while still providing a good overview of the field

Nancy Bonvillain is one of the top anthropological linguists in America. This is one of the best text books on the subject that's ever been written. It includes clear explanations and excellent cross-cultural examples. It follows the major traditions set by American linguists and anthropologists in the study of language description, language structure, language acquisition, language change, and the ways in which language reflects differences in cultural values, beliefs, and practices cross-culturally. It's a handy book to use in the undergraduate linguistic anthropology course and students enjoy it.

I'm trying to wade through this book for a class. It's like trying to run in shoulder-deep mud. I cannot make out what the author is trying to say. I'm considering dropping the class.